COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

QUESTION NO. 17

QUESTION: Councillor B. Bonner

To ask the Chief Executive in the light of the recent complaint to the European Parliament regarding the condition of housing in Balgaddy could the Chief Executive present a report on it's response to cases brought to it's attention by residents of Balgaddy.

REPLY: 

Balgaddy was constructed in 3 phases. Originally when constructed some of the phases did have defects in a number of windows and doors as well as some roofs.  There was also a limited issue with fire separation in a small number of units.    Defects in newly constructed houses is a normal occurrence and expected.  For this reason there is a 12 month defect liability period in all contracts during which final payments for the contract is withheld.)

However, following a number of complaints in relation to leaks in the apartments the Council carried out a full survey of the entire development and also used 2 other surveys that were carried out in the area by the Partnership Company and a Voluntary Housing Body.  As a result of these surveys a small dedicated unit along with a Clerk of Works was allocated to remedy each and every identified fault as well as responding to every request for maintenance.

At this stage each and all identified defect has been remedied and the cost of this work has been carried by the originaly contractor. 

Following this work the number of maintenance requests in the Balgaddy area dropped below the average for an area of that size and remains below to this day.

In recent times a number of complaints have again been recieved in relation to dampness and mould in specific apartments.  It is proposed to discuss with both the County Architect and Principal Environmental Helath officer for the area with a view to re-examining these apartments.  Following this re-examination any remedial works will be attended to and a report will be brought to this committee.